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7 Things To Do In Charleston This Month

Mark your calendars! Check out our list of upcoming events in Charleston that will keep you and your family busy the rest of the month. 

Protect and Conserve

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is the largest wildlife exposition in the United States and is back for another epic year. The event takes place from February 16-18th and is filled with a variety of conservation-based events the whole family can enjoy. Be sure to get your tickets soon!

Shuck It

The Good Catch Oysterfest is taking place on Saturday, February 21st at the South Carolina Aquarium. The event includes all-you-can-eat oysters and an open bar – not to mention a stunning backdrop of the Charleston Harbor. 

Let the Good Times Roll

“Party with a purpose” at the 16th annual Mardi Crawl on Shem Creek on Saturday, February 29th. Proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Parrot Head Club (LCPHC), a local club that volunteers and donates money to organizations around the Lowcountry. 

Take a Stroll

Venture out to Middleton Place for the famous Camellia Walks, which are taking place throughout the month of February. Bask in the beauty of these beautiful flowers and don’t worry about spending a dime – it’s free to the public!

Be a Spectator

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays, Charleston’s minor league hockey team, at one of their home games this month. This is an outing that the whole family will love!

 

 

Events

Black Dog Howliday Adoption Event

Have A Howl Of A Day At The Black Dog’s “Howliday” Adoption Event

Dog lovers unite!

The Black Dog and Charleston Animal Society are partnering up for a “Howliday” Adoption Event at The Black Dog Charleston on Saturday, November 30th.

After you recover from turkey overload, head down to The Black Dog, which will have coffee, treats, and several dogs looking for loving homes this holiday season! In addition, The Black Dog is donating 20% of their sales that day to the Charleston Animal Society.

Whether you’re looking to adopt a new best friend or just do a little shopping that helps a great cause, make sure to stop by!

We’ll see you there!

Learn more here.

Eat & Drink

Upcoming Charleston Oyster Roasts

Upcoming Charleston Oyster Roasts That Will Be A Shucking Good Time

As it continues to cool down in Charleston, perfect oyster roast weather draws closer. Shucking oysters and sitting by the fire is one of the signature late fall activities in the Lowcountry, so we put together this list of upcoming local roasts you can enjoy with friends and family:

Bushels & Bids Oyster Roast and Auction – November 9th

Enjoy live music, fresh local oysters, silent auctions, games and cocktails at this annual oyster roast benefitting the Charles Towne Montessori School.

Oysters For Autism – – November 10th

Savor all-you-can-eat oysters for a cause! Venture to Bowens Island Restaurant for this special fundraiser that will benefit the Lowcountry Autism Foundation.

Fam’s Brewing Co. Veteran’s Day Oyster Roast – November 10th

Hosted by Fam’s Brewing Co. and benefitting the Warrior Surf Foundation, this brewery is celebrating the release of their new stout beer with live music and pop-up shops in addition to delicious steamed oysters.

The Inaugural Shuckin’ in Nature Roast – November 17th

Held at Tradesman Brewing Company, this fundraiser benefits the South Carolina Shellfish Growers Association and will feature live music, raffles, a food truck and pop-up shops in addition to the oysters.

Cistern on the Half Shell – November 23rd

Located under the oaks in the Cistern at the College of Charleston, this fundraiser benefits the College of Charleston’s Alumni Association programs and scholarships and will feature live music from the Bluestone Ramblers.

Mingo Point Thanksgiving Oyster Roast – November 29th

Kickoff your Thanksgiving weekend with an oyster roast! Located on Kiawah Island along the banks of the river, this oyster roast will feature live music, a Southern BBQ buffet, kids activities, and local vendors.

Bohemian Bull Fall Oyster Roasts – Thursdays in November

Starting on November 7th, Bohemian Bull will be hosting an all-you-can-eat oyster roast every Thursday from 6pm-9pm. Each event will feature a different drink special and local musician.

Let us know which event you’re planning on checking out!

Events

Things To Do Charleston Fall

11 Things To Do In Charleston This Fall

Fall is here, and Halloween is right around the corner! Get in the autumn spirit and check out some of these awesome activities happening in Charleston this Fall.

  1. Check out The Gathering of the Fork – a food and music festival with local restaurants offering sample sizes of their dishes for prices ranging from $1 to $5. And it’s for a good cause, as a portion of the proceeds goes to local food banks and other charities.
  2. Stop by the Charleston RiverDogs field for the Ballpark Festival of Beers, featuring over 100 domestic and imported ales, stouts, lagers, pilsners, and specialty beers, as well as food, activities and live music.
  3. Bring your kids and pets to the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre Fall Festival on October 26th With a pet costume contest, live music, activities, and food, it’s fun for the whole family!
  4. Check out the Harvest Festival on November 2nd. Celebrate the best of autumn in the south, with 5 different local bluegrass bands, southern BBQ, and more!
  5. Get tickets to The Woodlands Fall Music Festival, which is being held from the 7th to the 9th of November. Held on the grounds of a nature reserve and featuring over a dozen artists on three lakefront stages, the fest is sure to be a great time for music lovers.
  6. Stop by the 7th Annual Rockabillique Festival on November 9th. There will be a classic car and motorcycle show, over 35 bands on 6 stages, food, drinks, and activities!
  7. Also on the 9th is the Charleston Shrimp and Grits Festival, where you can sample shrimp and grits from some of Charleston’s most popular local restaurants. There will also be live music, a cash bar, and local vendors.
  8. Fans of classical music should look into the Chamber Music Charleston concert at Drayton Hall on November 9th. There will be an hour-long program of music performed by a wind quintet followed by a light reception.
  9. Spread across the 9th and 10th of October, the 2019 Extra Chill Fest features 8 South Carolina musical acts from varying genres. Tickets are $10 at the door, with 4 acts per night.
  10. Seafood lovers should check out Charleston’s Lobster Festival on November 15th, where they can find fresh Maine lobster cooked to perfection, as well as music, dancing, and other activities.
  11. November 28th marks the 42nd Annual Turkey Day Run. Come run or just cheer someone on, and meet up for the post-race party featuring food, drinks, and live music, as well as activities and a fun-run for the kids.

Eat & Drink

Weekend Wine-Down at Charleston’s Only Domestic Vineyard

Featured Image: Charleston.com

Located about 30 minutes south of downtown Charleston, on Wadmalaw island you’ll find Charleston’s only domestic vineyard, Deep Water Vineyard. This 48-acre winery and vineyard grows one of the only truly native grapes to the U.S., Muscadine grapes. Producing authentic Muscadine wine out of these grapes, native to the Southeastern United States, Deep Water vineyard produces five different labels so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Known for years as “Irvin House Vineyard”, Ann and Jim Irvin’s retirement dream turned into Jesse and Andrea Freiwald’s “lifelong dream” with Deep Water Vineyard. The couple encourages visitors to spend an afternoon with walking trails, many animals, a garden, a large pond, a gift shop and Firefly distillery all on the property. The vineyard encourages a family-friendly environment so be sure to bring along your kids and four-legged friends.

For $7.00, guests can go on a “choose your own adventure” tour, trying all nine of the vineyards’ wines and receiving a complimentary wine glass at the end of the tour to remember your time on the island. Guests are also welcome to walk through the 7 miles of vines in the vineyard for a self-guided tour.

Every Saturday is Weekend Wine-Down at the vineyard. From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Deep Water Vineyard offers food and music to entertain visitors all afternoon. Food can be hard to find on Wadmalaw Island so Deep Water Vineyard makes sure there is at least one food truck on the property every Saturday. Check out Deep Water Vineyard’s Facebook page to learn more.

Events

The 8th Annual Summerville Sweet Tea Festival

Featured Image: Post and Courier

For the 8th year in a row, the Sweet Tea Festival will be hitting the streets of downtown Summerville on Saturday, September 21. Just 8 years ago, a small event held on the lawn of Hutchinson Square has grown into a premier event in the Lowcountry.

Wearing the title of The Birthplace of Sweet Tea, Summerville’s iconic downtown is the perfect setting for the festival. Already known for its hospitable, charming nature, Summerville takes great pride as the birthplace of the iconic Southern beverage. The Sweet Tea Trail winds through the town and gives visitors a personal experience learning about the history of the town and its ties to sweet tea.

Summerville’s sweet tea history begins in the 1700s when tea plants were imported into the area from China. It wasn’t until 1888 when Dr. Charles Sheperd created the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville which became the first prosperous tea plantation to produce American grown tea. Long after the death of Dr. Sheperd in 1915, these plants were transported to Wadmalaw Island in 1963 and became the original tea plants at the Charleston Tea Plantation which continues to be in full operation to this day.

The event is in the same location as when it was first held in Hutchinson Square, on West Richardson, and on Short Central. Mugs will be sold at the event so visitors can try all of the teas and then cast their vote in the tea tasting contest for the People’s Choice for Best Sweet Tea. Come out and enjoy historic Downtown Summerville with some sweet tea and live music!

Events

September events

17 Things To Do In Charleston This September

September is only a few days away and we can almost smell the pumpkin spice filling the fall air. Along with our favorite tasty coffee drink, September brings the first day of fall, college football, and a full social calendar. Here’s everything you need to do before the end of summer.

1. Ring in September with oysters, Naturdays, and Catalina wine mixers at Bay Street Biergarten on September 1.

2. Head to Daniel Island for a night of shopping, food and fun at the Daniel Island Night Market on September 6.

3. Honor the heroes of 9/11 at the 8th annual 9/11 heroes run on September 7.

4. Charleston Pride and Takeover Charleston are celebrating 10 years at Taco Boy downtown and you can join in on the fun on September 7 during the Takeover Taco Boy: Pride Week 2019 party.

5. Take an indigo dye class and discuss great literature at the Charleston County Public Library on September 7 at the Indigo Dye Class and Book Discussion.

6. Get your work out on at James Island County Park with a Paddle in the Park on September 8.

7. Sip and paint at West Ashley’s favorite brewery, Frothy Beard Brewing, for the weekly sip and paint Monday party. Oh and enjoy your first drink on Andre, September 9.

8. HOT DOG! It’s a coney dog cook-off at Indigo Reef Brewing Company on September 11 and you can be the judge.

9. Support Charleston Pride and enjoy tunes on September 13 during the second annual COLOR ME SILENT Headphone Party.

10. Expand your knowledge on craft beer at Drink History at Palmetto Brewing on September 13.

11. Fly over to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on September 14 for the first ever Butterfly Bash.

12. Grab your best girl friends, put on some Lizzo, and head to Parcel 32 on September 17 for a Lowcountry Ladies Night Out!

13. Sing along to Kacey Musgraves on September 20 at her Oh, What A World tour stop at the Volvo Car Stadium.

14. Break out your scrunchies and slap bracelets and head downtown for a 90s bar crawl on September 21.

15. Enjoy some beer and barks at Reverly Brewing on September 21 at the Hoppy Tails Fundraiser benefitting the Charleston Animal Society.

16. Try something new and learn how to play the Taiko drum on September 21.

17. Break out your royal garb and head to Twenty Six Divine Tea Room on September 29 for the Mad Hatter Tea Party and pretend to be enjoying a cup of tea with Meghan Markle.

 

 

 

 

Eat & Drink

culinary tours

Explore Charleston And Unleash Your Inner Foodie On These Culinary Tours

Image: Charleston Culinary Tours/FB

If you identify as a proud foodie- Charleston is the place to be. The southern city is home to hundreds of restaurants that definitely know their way around a kitchen. Serving delicious dishes from southern staples to dry-aged steaks or high-end Mexican cuisine, Charleston has a restaurant for every mood and occasion.

The only issue with having so many great choices is that it’s almost impossible to try them all, which is exactly why Charleston Culinary Tours has made an effort to feature the best restaurants in Charleston. Find a tour that explores the area you wish to discover the most or plan to try them all.

Upper King St. Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday thru Saturday at 3 pm

This tour showcases the culinary innovations and experimental designs of the top restaurants located on Upper King Street. The up and coming neighboorhood is filled with energy and vibrancy. It is the perfect area to gain insight into Charleston’s ever-changing culinary scene.

Charleston Dinner Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Wednesday at 4:30 pm

This tour showcases four restaurants on Upper King Street and the surrounding area who demonstrate exquisite cooking in what is known as the New South. If you’re in search of a more adventurous dinner experience this is the perfect tour for you.

Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday through Sunday at 2pm-3pm

This tour explores Charleston’s French Quarter and visits four restaurants that serve some of the most flavorful food found in Charleston. Make your way through the historic area while walking on some of the oldest streets in the city.

Farm to Table Experience

Duration: 3 hours

When: Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December at 9:30 am

This tour allows guests to experience a true farm to table experience, showcasing some of the best chefs in the city and the award-winning farmer’s market. The daily participating chef helps you pick fresh ingredients from the market for your meal. Then, the guide takes you on a 45-minute walking tour while the chef prepares a meal using all of the different ingredients.

Sustainable Seafood Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5 pm

This tour showcases some of Charleston’s most reputable restaurants who serve locally sourced and responsibly harvested seafood. On this tour, you not only become part of the movement to protect our oceans but also get to enjoy freshly caught seafood right from our waters.

Which tour would you be most interested in taking?